Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025: VOTE NOW for your health hero!
VOTE for your health hero by midnight on Monday, March 24!
READ the shortlist in full.
Claire Houston, CLH Physio and Sports Therapy, Lossiemouth
THE care and support provided by Lossiemouth-based physio and sports therapist, Claire Houston, has been hailed as ‘outstanding’.
Claire, who runs her own clinic, CLH Physio and Sports Therapy, became a sports therapist in 2008, before qualifying as a chartered physiotherapist, studying at Kings College, London.
She opened her Lossie clinic in 2021 which has a dedicated rehab gym, purpose-built for rehabilitation and returning to fitness at all levels.
She supports clients across a wide range of areas including: RAF Lossiemouth, working as a civilian physiotherapist; occupational health for employees; and women’s health, including pre and postnatal, peri and menopausal care.
She also volunteers her time in the community, has mentored a student through the local Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) organisation, and she is the vice president and charity champion of Moray Business Women.
Claire sponsors two Scottish Championship motorcycle riders and helps them with pre-season training, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
A nomination said: “Claire is an outstanding person in her field. She has both empathy and sympathy in good measure and is definitely someone I will have in my life going forward.”
Claire said: “When people walk into my clinic, they’re walking in as a person, not as an injury. Just being able to help people, that’s the bottom line for me, I love what I do. It’s an honour that people have taken the time to nominate me.”
Shirley Catto, Seafield Hospital, Buckie
NEUROLOGY nurse specialist, Shirley Catto, has won the heartfelt appreciation of those she cares for and their families.
Based at Seafield Hospital, Buckie, Shirley, who has been a nurse for 16 years, supports patients with Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease across Moray.
In 2022, she received the prestigious national professional award, the title of Queen’s Nurse, from the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) for her work in the Moray community.
The programme requires candidates to choose an issue for development which will have a significant impact on those they care for.
Shirley has been praised for the tremendous support and care she gives her patients, going above and beyond her duty, and undertaking the latest training to give them the very best and most holistic treatment she can.
A nomination said: “She is very committed to her position, going over and above for those suffering with both Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. The folk she supports are greatly appreciative of all the support she gives.”
Delighted to be a finalist, Shirley said: “I feel humbled and grateful to be shortlisted, it’s an honour. Being nominated inspires me to continue to exceed expectations and ensure the best care for my patients and their families.”
“Offering care ‒ the education and emotional support ‒ is what I enjoy the most.”
Shona Conlin, Weston View Care Home, Keith
MANAGER at Parklands’ Weston View Care Home, Keith, Shona Conlin, has been praised for always putting others first.
In a nursing career stretching 40 years, Shona, who is retiring this year, has devoted her career to helping the most vulnerable in society, caring for those with learning disabilities to her elderly patients today.
She began her training at Moray College in 1985 prior to attending Foresterhill College of Nursing, gaining RNMH and RGN qualifications. Shona has been a staff nurse, worked in general nursing, community nursing and spent 16 years as the senior healthcare co-ordinator in the Moray Learning Disability Team.
She joined Parklands Care Homes in 2013 and has been the manager at Weston View for the past two years.
A nomination said: “Shona is a selfless, hard-working and friendly nurse manager who always strives to put others first. Kind, compassionate and empathetic, Shona always has a smile on her face and puts others first.”
Shona was delighted to be shortlisted and paid tribute to her many colleagues over the years who have supported her: “Over the past 40 years, I’ve been very lucky to work with true unsung heroes. This recognition is also a recognition of the people that work alongside you. I’ve been truly gifted to work with some amazing individuals and teams, right from the very beginning of my career. I’m truly honoured and humbled that anyone has taken the time to consider me for this prestigious award.”
The health hero award is sponsored by Specsavers Elgin
Peter Taylor, retail director, Specsavers Elgin, says: "At Specsavers Elgin, we’re absolutely over the moon to continue our support as sponsors of the Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025 for the fourth year running. It’s truly a privilege to celebrate the inspirational individuals who make such a difference in our community."
